It’s widely understood that from the inception of life, a bath experience is among our initial encounters and remains a recurring ritual until the end. An act of immersing oneself in lathered water to rid the day’s filth. After all, purity is adjacent to divinity. Nevertheless, for those who are well-versed, Bath stands out as a mystical locale nestled in the core of England. Rich in history dating back prior to the Roman conquests, it is one of England’s most enchanting cities, where Jane Austen crafted many of her literary works and serves as the idyllic backdrop for the Bridgerton series even today.
Bath is among Europe’s most picturesque cities, boasting a fascinating blend of Georgian, Regency, Gothic, and neoclassical architectural structures and a treasure trove of Roman archaeological sites. Throughout the city, you’ll find verdant parks and open spaces adorned with manicured lawns, leafy tree-filled parks, and splendid flower gardens to marvel at. Furthermore, the Avon River and two canal systems meander through the city. Bath’s architectural, historical, and cultural significance has been doubly acknowledged by UNESCO, as it is designated both a World Heritage site and one of Europe’s Great Spa Towns. Bath also happens to be England’s solitary natural geothermal site, rendering it an even more enticing travel destination.
The city’s resplendent historical edifices and well-preserved allure have rendered it an ideal stage for numerous films, including the aforementioned Bridgeton, Robin Hood, Barry Lyndon, and Dr. Doolittle. It’s no surprise that numerous authors were inspired by the town to conjure up such unforgettable works of fiction, like Jane Austen who resided in Bath in the early 19th century, and Mary Shelly, who crafted the pioneering science fiction novel, Frankenstein, while dwelling in Bath in 1816.
Bath’s Esteemed Past
Although the name Bath may seem peculiar for a city, its origin makes perfect sense. The Romans, upon occupying England around 60 A.D., discovered England’s sole hot springs in this ancient city and subsequently christened the area after its rejuvenating waters. In contemporary times, it has transcended into a gathering spot for those seeking more than just its therapeutic waters. Today, Bath is cherished as a cultural, historical, and architectural gem and stands as one of England’s most picturesque cities.
Exploring Bath’s Landmarks
Bath is a captivating city to venture into. Despite being relatively petite, the majority of it is reachable by foot. Within the town center, cobblestone streets wind through labyrinthine alleyways, allowing you to amble from one landmark to the next. Beyond sightseeing, the most rewarding experience is to jettison a pre-planned itinerary and dedicate a few unscripted hours to wandering the streets, uncovering the city’s unexpected marvels.
Bath’s most iconic attraction is the Roman Baths Museum, Pump Rooms, and the Temple of Sulis Minerva, where the Romans bathed in the hot springs. It stands as England’s solitary natural geothermal site, with the hot waters still flowing, although bathing is no longer permitted.
This constitutes the city’s prime attraction, offering a self-guided audio tour elucidating artifacts, customs, and a history that dates back nearly 2000 years. You can also sample the waters at the Pump Room Restaurant adjacent to the museum. The water is purported to possess healing properties, coupled with a taste that most would deem as a “one-time experience.”
For your personal bathing experience in Bath, various locations around the city offer natural hot springs for immersion. The Thermae Bath Spa utilizes the same water source as the Romans did. Unlike antiquity, the facility today boasts cutting-edge amenities, including an ice chamber, sauna, indoor pool, and an outdoor rooftop pool affording panoramic vistas of the city.
Across the city, there are notable landmarks to discover, such as the grand gothic structure, Bath Abby. Constructed in 1499, the medieval church’s interior is awe-inspiring, with soaring cathedral ceilings, intricate stained glass artworks, and numerous ledger stone gravestones covering the ground. Ascending the church’s 212 steps rewards you with a breathtaking panorama of the city.
Bath’s Exquisite Architecture
Aside from the hot springs, Bath has emerged as a sought-after destination owing to its stunning architectural splendor. The city showcases grandiose constructions from bygone eras that stand tall and fully functional to this day. One of the city’s most picturesque landmarks is the Pulteney Bridge. Erected in 1774, this three-arched stone bridge stands as an emblem of the city, with the Avon River waters cascading through it, over a cascade of steps, and flowing past the well-manicured Parade Gardens. It’s no wonder this site has been featured in several major films.
Other architectural marvels in Bath encompass the resplendent Royal Crescent, an exemplary creation of Georgian architecture from the 1770s, boasting a 500-foot stone facade adorned with over 100 honey-hued stone columns. The structure is presently utilized as townhouses for Bath’s affluent denizens, a museum, and the opulent Royal Crescent Hotel and Spa.
The Royal Crescent in Bath is a marvel of Georgian architecture, consisting of a renowned row of 30 terraced houses. Have you explored this magnificent British landmark yet? #Bath #RoyalCrescent pic.twitter.com/lzmHe4OL5N
— Visit Bath (@visitbath) July 29, 2021
Not to be disregarded is Bath’s other circular edifice, the Circus, which is equally impressive and comprises townhouses, serving as one of Bath’s most coveted addresses.
Bath’s charm is simply captivating. Scattered throughout are verdant plazas, green havens, and exquisite English gardens that make taking a leisurely stroll through the park a must-do. City-managed parks like the Botanical Gardens, Parade Gardens, Georgian Garden along The Gravel Walk, and The Dell provide spaces where you can spend hours reveling in the beauty of flowers and sculptures.
Jane Austen, Bath’s most renowned resident, found ample inspiration in the city to pen Pride and Prejudice and Sense and Sensibility. To delve deeper into her legacy, you can pay a visit to the Jane Austen Centre.
Bath for Retail Therapy
Bath isn’t just about its historic sites. Sprinkled elsewhere are contemporary shopping districts offering a plethora of choices from popular brands to local designers. The central zone of the town is connected by pedestrian avenues lined with cafes where visitors can dine al fresco beneath canvas umbrellas.
Mere steps from the train station lies SouthGate, a large open-air shopping and dining complex hosting 50 shops and 20 restaurants. Bath is equally renowned for its quaint outlets along the pedestrian streets like Milsom Street and Bath Street, ideal for perusing fashion and homewares from local artisans and designers. A haven for book lovers, Topping and Company Booksellers is a place to lose yourself in, perusing the labyrinth of bookshelves before settling into a nook with your literary discovery.
Our GUIDE to Bath Destination unveiled the city’s food culture and culinary treasures. Stay tuned for the follow-up on the best accommodations and activities for the discerning traveler in Bath.